Sligo Rovers are thrilled to announce that John Russell has secured the signature of goalkeeper Sam Sargeant ahead of the 2025 League of Ireland season.
Sargeant joins the Bit O’Red on a one year deal having spent the last 18 months with fellow Premier Division outfit Waterford.
The much coveted 27-year-old played a starring role in the Blues’ magnificent early season form last year, before his year was cut short with injury.
Sargeant featured 30 times for Waterford in 2024 having signed up at the RSC mid-way through their 2023 promotion season. This followed spells with Leyton Orient, Wealdstone and Barnet amongst others.
The net minder arrives at Rovers in time to take part in a full pre-season and is expected to compete with Conor Walsh for the number one shirt. Speaking to sligorovers.com, Sergeant says he’s ready to get to work.
“I spoke with John (Russell) a few times over the phone and I had little doubt where I wanted to be after that”, he says.
“I was very impressed with his whole approach. We had conversations about how I will contribute to the team. I feel it’s a really good fit and I can’t wait to get working with the staff up here as I feel I can really progress along with the team.
“There’s a lot of experience already here. The players that the gaffer has signed from last year’s squad have proved already that they are more than good enough for this league. I am looking forward to building relationships with all these players.
“Sligo, the town and county is football mad and it’s all about Rovers here. It’s a big club and I want to build on what I’ve already achieved in Ireland and help bring some success to Sligo.
“We can go as far as we want next season. If we stick together as a group and give everything we have, we know we can compete with anyone in this country.”
The Londoner’s 2024 season was brought to a halt last July when he fractured a bone in his hand in training. Sargeant is hoping months of rehab, recovery and hard work pay off at the Showgrounds as he returns to play. He is also aiming to make experience count going into 2025.
“The injury came at an unfortunate time really. I was in really good form when it happened and it just happened out of the blue. As much as I hated being out injured, it did give me the chance to work on other aspects of my game in terms of strength and leadership and now I’m fully recovered and feel stronger than ever before.
“I want to be a leader both on and off the pitch and use my experience in as positive a way as I can. It’s become a big part of my game since coming into the league.”
Speaking to sligorovers.com following his latest foray into the transfer market, boss Russell says that he too sees Sargeant as a potential figurehead within his squad heading into the new campaign which gets underway against the Sam’s old club Waterford on February 15th.
“I’m delighted to bring Sam to the club”, Russell says.
‘He made a big impact in his time at Waterford during his 18 months there. We feel his attributes are perfect for the way we want to play.
“Sam is a very driven individual and I know he will be a big influence both on and off the pitch.
“His quality and experience will be a massive asset to our group. We’re all excited to start working with him.”
David Goulden